Little Man loves his boobies. I love these pictures of his first days in the hospital. He took a hold of my nursing bra like, "Hey Mommy! Gimmee the Goods!" The next photo below is my view of this same shot. There really is just something sweet about a little nursing baby. I also had to laugh when we came home. Rob's Dad mentioned something to Andy about the Victoria's Secret commercial as he and Rob watched ball. It was right when I needed Little Man so I told PawPop he would have to give the boy up (since he was holding him) for a live show of his own. :) I think it was the first joke I had made since I got home.
I think one of the reasons I love these shots so much is that it reminds me of how dear some of the simplest things can be for some people. You see, nursing is nearly impossible for me. I had a reduction in my 20s when I was told that I would never have children. I literally told the surgeon, "I don't care how much you cut out, just please make me tiny." I wish I would have saved a little more "plumbing" if you know what I mean. So, with Suzy, I armed myself with all kinds of knowledge beforehand and then when we struggled, I consulted at least three different lactation consultants and tried all kinds of remedies both crazy and tested. So, I wasn't extremely blindsided by my troubles this time. But, I was so optimistic for several reasons. First of all, he wasn't as early as Suzy. I also read that with the second child the milk comes in easier. Finally, he's a boy and everyone I know talks about how baby boys love the booby. Which, he did. He latched on like no tomorrow in the hospital and would hang out with great "form" for over an hour. So, I was completely devastated by the third day when the nurses informed me he was loosing too much weight and needed to be suplimented. With Suzy, we did all the "suplimentation techniques" and so I knew what we would be up for this time. It was at this point that Little Man realized the joys of a full belly and wanted nothing more to do with his Mommy. After a few days and some heart wrenching sob sessions, I've decided to just pump what I can for as long as I can and try not to worry so much about it. I owe a special "thank you" to some of my very close friends who prayed with me during these times. Now, he will latch on for a few minutes of tenderness in the middle of the night. But, he still prefers the food to women. Hmmmm.... maybe not a bad thing. :)

So, anyhow, here's a little glimpse into my last two weeks of trying to increase my milk supply. It starts with this industrial sized pump. Oh so fun at $90 per month.
Then, you have to supliment with nasty tasting herbs and such. So, you can quickly see how breast milk for our family is actually MORE expensive than formula. I'm just glad I have such a great and supportive husband. I have, however, promised him that I will most likely only keep this up for a month. I try and pump between 5-7 times per day to increase my supply. I always get more in the morning after a good rest and then it dwindles as the day goes on. My big prizes are when I get over an ounce combined. Most times, it is around 1/2 oz. per pumping session. Hardly enough to fatten a Little Man up.
The bad part, is that I get completely engorged. But, I don't have connections to relieve the ducts. So, I got pro-active. Rather than boo-hoo about problems, I've always been a "doer". Those who know me well know how I love to invent random and odd things. This is going to be one we talk about for many years to come. I took a super-sized bra that was given to me for maternity and lined the back with soft material. Then, I filled it with rice and cut some button holes for the breast pump. I had to do a little adjusting to take out all the metal underwires and clasps so that I could then put it in the microwave to provide some heat to help with let down and swelling. All I can tell you is that when I put this thing on for the first time, I was nothing but... "AAAAHHHHHH NICE". Rob says I should market them except for one problem. When the pump is going and I'm not wearing a sporty shirt like the one below, I look like a FemBot from the Austin Powers movies. It is pretty hysterical actually. But, I've always been more about function than fashion.
In conclusion to my weird booby post, I wanted to share with you my "Big Prize". 1.5 oz. of breast milk. All from one sitting. I was so excited! I liken it to the upcoming olympics. To me, breast feeding is like a sport. In my book, it's about dedication and perseverance. I may not get the gold medal, but I'm definitely in for the bronze. :) Even if I don't get the prize, Rob and I like to joke that my last pump of the night is the appetizer for the late night party that Andy plans for us every night.